Empathy

"You've Been Banned."

Carl laughed out loud. "What a bunch of losers!"

He stayed connected to his brain-computer interface—

"What's wrong with me? Why do I keep on doing this?"

An advertisement popped up ...

Empathy

The world's first socially conscious BCI Virtual Upgrade. Brought to you by Compassion Inc.

We've solved an age-old problem plaguing humanity ever since the first two people spoke—the lack of compassion and understanding.

Cyberbullying, harassment, and all types of trolling—it's a national epidemic!

They regularly lead to acts of violence, or much worse—our world is in a state of crisis!

Do you feel oppressed or isolated? If so, you aren't alone!

The temptation to harass or bully other individuals isn't your fault. You feel like you can't make a difference in the real or virtual world. So, much of your suppression needs expression; therefore, it's in your human nature to do so aggressively. No one's taught you how to cope with your fears.

You, like everyone else, are a victim of society's ignorance.

Would you like to try a remedy? Here at Compassion Inc, we can help you with Empathy!

Are you interested? Yes / No

Carl thought—"Why not?" He thought out his answer—"Yes."

A sales rep for Compassion Inc appeared.

"Hello, Carl! My name's Julie. Thank you for your interest in Empathy. We'll change your life! You'll learn to understand how others feel, and finally achieve true happiness for yourself. People will praise your compassionate nature."

He thought about disconnecting …

"Carl, we've noticed most Virtual Worlds have banned you. You must feel lonely. You don't have to explain it. We've all been there!"

"Really? You have?"

"Oh, yes, Carl. We've suffered like you. We discovered a way to cure ourselves of judgment and to embrace tolerance. With that step completed, you'll be free to be anyone or do anything you want!"

"How does it work?"

"Good question, Carl. Empathy provides you insight into others' thoughts and feelings. We extract and rebuild portions of their life experience relevant to their behaviors."

"I mean, I don't know if that'll help. Everything's fine when I join a World, but someone says something stupid that pisses me off. I get angry, and I get banned."

"Carl, that's exactly what we'll help you with!"

"Uh, huh. So, what are the side effects?"

"That's a smart question, Carl! You may experience a shock from the new emotions, but your mind will quickly adapt and empathize."

"Wait, so it's not always on?"

"It is Carl, but once your mind understands, it doesn't require the same intensity—only gentle reminders if you forget."

"Um, will this get me unbanned?"

"In fact, yes, it will, Carl! Most Worlds give Empathy users another chance to reenter them. They allow us to moderate your behavior. You'll be safe with us!"

"Oh? What's the catch? There's always a catch!"

"Oh, Carl, none really unless …"

"Unless what?"

"Well, Carl, if you participate in our Empathy study, the product and service are 100% free. We'll use your data to help others like yourself."

"Okay, fine. I'll give it a try."

"That's great, Carl! However, since you're only 15, your parents will have to sign a consent form."

"Ha! Not a problem! They've told me they're at their wit's end. Even their shrinks can't figure me out."

"That's fine, Carl. We'll help you. You'll be receiving a package in the mail shortly."

————

Carl's parents signed the consent form, and he underwent the minimally invasive surgical BCI upgrade. The Empathy logo initialized with access to the Index of Worlds. All but a few released his ban. He then entered one of them ...

The usual worldbuilding hours went on by—then it happened.

A supervillain avatar zapped Carl's car. "Don't worry about that piece of cheap crap. You'll afford a better one. I hear the Mayor's office is hiring janitors!"

Carl shouted, "At least I won't get beat up for my lunch money, bitch!"

The Empathy logo appeared. Carl stood in line for lunch at a school cafeteria, but he couldn't control his avatar. He saw a metallic reflection of a chubby body with short stature.

A hand smacked the back of his head. "Give us what you got, momma's boy!"

Carl dug into his pants pockets, but they were empty.

The bully hit him again. "Meet us after school and bring us a gift."

Carl knew what a gift meant. But he had no cash. His avatar's stomach ached while its mind daydreamed the worst possible scenarios.

He strolled through a hallway to PE, and the same kid led a gang, and shoved him aside and shouted, "Don't forget about after school, fatty!"

His body shook, and he wept. The last period's bell rang. He tried to sneak out of the school campus to head home, but the gang of boys across the street saw him. So he ran ...

Scampering feet chased him, and one of the kids yelled, "Harpoon it!" Then, someone pounded him to the pavement.

Carl immediately returned to the previous Virtual World, but only seconds had passed.

The Empathy logo appeared with a jingling musical note. "Empathy completed… Entering level 2 in 60 seconds. Apologize to reset."

Carl apologized to the supervillain avatar, and it reset.

The Empathy Chip stated, "Any recurrences within 48 hours will result in level 2 then 3 and so forth. Please be a good person. You can do it, Carl!"

————

Empathy became the world's most popular BCI upgrade.

At first, strangers in the real world often stood immobilized for a few seconds—then issued an apology. But later on, it became a rare occurrence.

In time, laws required the Empathy surgical procedure for all newborns. A vaccination for criminal behavior, so they claimed. The world population turned cooperative and civilized.

An underground group accused Compassion Inc of violating free will. But Empathy users didn't react at all; they already understood their ignorance.